CRTC receives 12 applications for radio stations serving urban Indigenous communities

Radio for First Nations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa could complement existing Aboriginal services

GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it has received 12 applications to operate radio stations serving urban Indigenous Canadians in major markets.

Specifically, the CRTC has received two applications for stations in Vancouver, three for Calgary, three for Edmonton, two for Toronto and two for Ottawa. Five organizations have submitted applications: the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta, Watwatay Native Communications Society, Northern Native Broadcasting, VMS Media Group Ltd. and First Peoples Radio Inc.

Frequencies became available in these markets after the CRTC revoked, in June 2015, Aboriginal Voices Radio's licences for its radio stations. The CRTC took this decision due to numerous, serious and repeated instances of non-compliance with the regulations and the broadcaster's conditions of licence. Aboriginal Voices Radio subsequently filed an application with the Federal Court of Appeal. The Court stayed the CRTC's revocation and ordered that Aboriginal Voices Radio's licences remain in effect until the appeal is determined.

The CRTC has stated that it will announce a public process to consider these applications at a later date, if appropriate.

Quick Facts

• In August 2015, the CRTC issued a call for innovative applications for radio stations that would focus on serving Indigenous Canadians.
• The CRTC has received 12 proposals from five organizations to operate radio stations serving Indigenous communities in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa.
• The CRTC will announce a public process to consider these applications at a later date, if appropriate.
• Aboriginal Voices Radio is currently not operating in Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa.

Associated Links
CRTC acts to ensure that Aboriginal radio listeners in several urban communities are better served 
Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-282 - Aboriginal Voices Radio Inc. 
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-399 - Call for radio applications to serve urban Aboriginal communities in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-84 - Notice of hearing

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media Relations, [phone]; General Inquiries, [phone], Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY [phone]